WARSAW (Poland) – Latvia (men) and Azerbaijan (women) stole headlines in an action-packed play-in day of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 on June 5. 

TEAMS 

LATVIA (men)

It was touted to be the game of the day. An experienced Latvia against an ascending New Zealand. The Latvians would offer Two-Point Nation their biggest test yet in a battle for a Quarter-Final spot.

While New Zealand would battle till the end off the back of a monstrous performance from Te Tuhi Lewis who put up 10 points in the game, Latvia would prove to be too much, coming away with 21 – 19 winners. Karlis Lasmanis put up 6 points but it would be Nauris Miezis go would earn plaudits with his 10-point outburst. 

The Latvians are clicking on all cylinders heading into Quarter-Final action tomorrow.

AZERBAIJAN (women)

In what was the most physical game of the day, Azerbaijan faced Lithuania in a contest where both teams turned the heat up on the defensive end.

Lithuania prevented Azerbaijan from finding their rhythm offensively, making it difficult for the dominant Brianna Fraser to impose her will. In a low-scoring battle that went to OT, it would be anybody’s game.

Who answered the call? Azerbaijan’s Arica Carter. She drilled a dagger in Overtime to seal a 14 – 12 victory for the side, setting them up for a massive Quarter-Final battle against Germany. 

QUARTER-FINAL MATCHUPS

MEN’S

Serbia vs Netherlands

Latvia vs Lithuania 

Germany vs Austria

France vs United States 

WOMEN’S

Netherlands v Hungary

Australia v Ukraine

Germany v Azerbaijan

France v United States

DAY 6

We have our Final 8 in both the men’s and women’s category. The field will be halved tomorrow before the epic conclusion on Day 7. You don’t wanna miss the action, catch it all LIVE through the FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel.